Beaver Lake

Description: Travel along an old railroad bed for a gentle walk to a quiet wetland, then end your hike at the side of the rushing Sauk River. This hike recently received a refurbished trailhead, and it makes a low-key outing for youngsters and oldsters alike. Enjoy lowland wildflowers, birds in the trees, the chance of seeing beavers in the pond, and peek-a-boo views of snowy peaks. In the spring and early summer, be prepared for nettles and mosquitoes.

Directions: From Seattle, take I-5 north to the Arlington/Darrington exit, # 208, Highway 530. Travel east on Hwy 530 to the town of Darrington, where you’ll turn right (south) onto the Mountain Loop Hwy. Drive about 9 miles down the highway, and look for the trailhead on the right, just after crossing the Sauk River on a bridge. There is an outhouse and plenty of parking at the trailhead. Currently, you do not need any passes to park there.